Gallantry and guts (Press-Register Sound Off)

Although I was unable to attend the ceremony Saturday honoring Vietnam veterans in Mobile, I want them to know with certainty that I hold each of them in my heart for their bravery. They went through hell over there. God bless you all!

An inspiring friendship

Thank you for the wonderful article about the two young men from Happy Hill. What an inspiration they should be to young people here in Mobile. I think the bottom line is that without friends and the support system and encouragement they provide, where would any of us be? (Editor’s note: Roy Hoffman’s story on Sunday told of two accomplished young men who grew up in a hard-luck neighborhood of north Mobile but made a pact as teenagers to help one another succeed. The story and an accompanying video can be found at al.com/Mobile.)

Please apply the brakes

I too am appalled at what the city of Fairhope has done to our streets. Why don’t we get to vote on how our tax money is spent? Do the bike riders have to buy a tag for their bike? When and why, did bicycles become such a priority?

‘Those drops add up’

As a small business owner, knowing the cuts we have made to keep our doors open, we are ragged around the edges, equipment patched together, every penny squeezed, but we are still here. We have not raised our prices because the consumers won’t let us. I have taken two deductions in pay and my staff has had no raises in over two years. But they continue to fight and say they are willing to do what it takes to save their jobs. I just do not feel we have seen this same spirit and approach in the city of Mobile. I have no problem with the penny tax, but I refuse to believe that there is not waste and misuse that cannot be cut. They say certain expenses are drops in the buckets, but we have found that those drops add up.

End game for hunters

The article regarding Auburn University seeking a contraceptive to control feral hogs is great news indeed those of us who are humane. This method will eventually be used to control other wild animals; then there will be no excuse for subjecting such animals to the burning agony of a molten bullet.

Petro manifesto

I think there ought to be some riots over these gasoline prices, or a protest to block driving for one or two days. It’ll soon cost $8 for me to go get a loaf of bread that costs $2.

My Yorkie hero

In response to the Sound Offs about Yorkie yappers: I was given a Yorkie who yaps only seldom. In two days, he located a snake in a basket holding a large silk plant in my home. I feel so much safer in this old house having this smart little dog.

Mega Millions madness

Winning the lottery has become the new American dream.

Easy on the ears and eyes

I watched the Academy of Country Music Awards last night and kept wondering who this young blonde was. Finally I realized it was Taylor Swift! She finally got rid of those curls and has turned into a lovely young lady. Keep that hair straight, girl.